________________
OF THE HINDUS.
157
are still in existence, and are divided into two branches: those of the male line reside at Kharda, near Barrackpore; and those of the female at Balagor, near Sukhságar: there are other families, however, of nearly equal influence in various parts of Bengal, descended from the other Gosáins, the Kavirájas and original Mahants.
Besides the three Prabhus, or CHAITANYA, ADWAITA, and NITYÁNAND, the Vaishnavas of this order acknowledge six Gosáins as their original and chief teachers, and the founders, in some instances, of the families of the Gosáins now existing, to whom, as well as to the Gokulastha Gosáins, hereditary veneration is due. The six Gaudiya, or Bengal, Gosáins, appear to have all sattled at Brindávan and Mathurá, where many of their descendants are still established, and in possession of several temples: this locality, the agreement of dates, and the many points of resemblance between the institutions of VALLABHA and CHAITANYA render it extremely probable that their origin was connected, and that a spirit of rivalry and opposition gave rise to one or other of them.
The six Gosáins of the Bengal Vaishnavas are RÚPA,
cow-herd), and am amidst many Gopas, and such as we are, consider. Pulina a delicacy.”
A verse is also ascribed to him, said to have become proverbial:
मत्स्येर झोल कामिनीर कोल। आनन्दे तोरासवे हरिहरि बोल ॥ “Let all enjoy fish, broth, and woman's charms - be happy, and call upon Hari.”
